Senator calls for accountability vs. fake news at IPU Assembly

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Tulfo, who leads the Philippine delegation, on Monday said that fake news has eroded public confidence and distorted discourse in the Philippines. (Erwin Tulfo/facebook)

MANILA – Senator Erwin Tulfo has called for stronger accountability measures against fake news and disinformation during the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, warning that the spread of false information undermines democracy and public trust.

Tulfo, who leads the Philippine delegation, on Monday said that fake news has eroded public confidence and distorted discourse in the Philippines.

He urged parliamentarians to strengthen laws against deliberate falsehoods while protecting freedom of expression.

“Our task is not to silence voices but to safeguard truth; to ensure that the digital public square remains a place for informed dialogue, not deception,” Tulfo said.

He also pushed for media literacy programs to help citizens, especially the youth, discern truth from lies.

Tulfo earlier filed Senate Bill Nos. 768 and 1361, which seek to penalize the spread of fake news and strengthen access to information.